We Share Identity, Message, Mission

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We ShareIdentity, Message, Mission Beliefs
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We ShareWhy a document?

• A recurring question Who are we?
• Important pending mattersall needing to be
  grounded in common identity values
• A mission imperative
• A prophetic longing
• The need for unity alignment

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The Process

• Two years of prayer, study, dialogue
• Church leaders
• Expanded World Church Leadership Council
• Standing High Council
• Field officers
• Others priesthood retreats, small groups
• Connecting voice of Spirit with voices of the
  Church

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Dual Meaning of We Share

• We Share
• What we have in common with one another in
  Community of Christ
• We Share
• Our witness, ministries, sacraments, resources,
  and message generously with the world

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We Share a Vision for Creation

• Wolves and Lambs (Isa 116-9 NLV)
• In that day the wolf and the lamb will live
  together the leopard will lie down with the baby
  goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with
  the lion, and a little child will lead them....

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Gods Vision

• Reconciliation
• Salvation
• Wholeness
• Justice
• Shalom
• Isaiah 116, 9

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Peace for Creation

• Revealed in the life, death and resurrection of
  Jesus Christ
• Proclaimed the coming kingdom or peaceful reign
  of God on earth
• Gospel given to the church, or body of
  Christ
• To form disciples who faithfully share the gospel
  of peace in Christ
• Ephesians 213, 17 NRSV

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Cross and Seal

• Symbols of our commitment to Gods vision
• Proclaimed by the prophets
• Revealed in Jesus Christ

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Community of Christ

• Translated into many languages
• Faithful to our heritage
• True to our identity and calling today
• Doctrine and Covenants 1631

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We Share a Future

• Full of
• Possibility
• Necessary challenges
• Hope
• Continue to respond to the guidance of God
• Doctrine and Covenants 1631

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We Share the Peace of Jesus Christ

• And whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of
  great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall
  they be.
• (1
  Nephi 3189)

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We Share a Mission

• We proclaim Jesus Christ and promote communities
  of joy, hope, love, and Peace.
• Proclaiming Jesus Christ ... Discipleship
• Promoting Communities ... Zion, Reign of God

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We Share a Sacred Story

• Do not fail to listen attentively to the telling
  of the sacred story, for the story of scripture
  and faith empowers and illuminates (DC 1615)
• Church History Principles
• http//www.cofchrist.org/ourfaith/history.asp

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We Share Sacraments

• Look especially to the sacraments to enrich the
  spiritual life of the body
• (DC 15811C)
• New sacramental pictures showing the wonderful
  diversity of the church

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Our Sacraments

• Baptism
• Confirmation
• The Lords Supper
• Marriage
• Blessing of children
• Laying on of hands for the sick
• Ordination to the priesthood
• Evangelists blessing

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We Share Enduring Principles

• What do we mean by enduring principles
• --its not just what we believe
• --its in our DNA as a movement
• --its in the core of the movements
• character, while still being
• what were called to more fully
• become

http//www.cofchrist.org/OurFaith/enduring-princip
les.asp
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Enduring Principles

• The Foundation God, Christ, Holy Spirit
• Gods revelation in Jesus Christ and continuing
  presence through the Holy Spirit, as proclaimed
  by scripture, is the foundation of our faith,
  identity, mission, message, and beliefs

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Enduring Principles

• Grace and Generosity
• Sacredness of Creation
• Continuing Revelation
• Worth of all Persons
• All are Called
• Responsible Choices
• Pursuit of Peace (Shalom)
• Unity in Diversity
• Blessings of Community

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We Share the Temple as Life-Giving Symbol

• And it shall be a place in which the essential
  meaning of the Restoration as healing and
  redeeming agent is given new life and
  understanding, inspired the life and witness of
  the Redeemer of the world
• (Doctrine and Covenants 1565e)
• Become a people of the Temple-those who see
  violence but proclaim peace, who feel conflict
  yet extend the hand of reconciliation, who
  encounter broken spirits and find pathways for
  healing.
• (Doctrine and Covenants 1612a)

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Symbolism

• The essence of Gods presence with us
• Serves to focus the church
• Led to embrace what matters most

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We Share Basic Beliefs

• Worldwide community
• Committed to follow Jesus
• Bring forth the kingdom of God
• Seek together the revealing, renewing presence of
  the Holy Spirit Basic beliefs are not the last
  word
• Open invitation to join us in discipleship
• Encourage all to study the scriptures
• Think about personal experiences as we engage
  in the life of the church

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Basic Beliefs

• God
• Jesus Christ
• The Holy Spirit
• Creation
• Humanity
• Sin
• Salvation
• The Church
• Revelation

• Scripture
• Sacraments
• Discipleship
• Ministry
• The Reign of God
• Peace
• Resurrection and Eternal Life
• Judgment
• End Time

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A Major Question

• If we truly embrace what weve just talked about,
  how does it shape our
• Relationships (God, planet, others)?
• Community witnessing and service?
• Congregational life?
• Praying?
• Priorities?
• Spending?
• Time?

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We Share and Discerning Congregational Mission

• KEY
• Discernment for mission
• We Share a foundational piece in the
  discernment process
• CRITICAL
• Live mission according to gifts